It is 2nd February 2021. We celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Officially we conclude the Christmas season, and we begin carrying the light. Candle Mass brought the meaning of solemn entrance into the Lord’s temple, in remembrance and honouring the light of Christ we carry the light of Christ in our hands. Mother Mary and Joseph came from Nazareth to Jerusalem to offer their first-born Son Jesus to God and fulfil the law after 40 days of birth. Mary brought Jesus to God, the temple, the community and to us all. It is also the day we pray for all those who are in consecrated life.
The readings are from Malachi 3:1-4; the second reading is Hebrews 2:14-18; and the Gospel from Luke 2:22-40.
“The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” (Mal.3:1). God enters the temple through Jesus. We all can recognise the Lord when we are truly searching for Him. The author of letter to Hebrews points out that God enters humanity not as a representative but to be present in a unique manner.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord.” (Ps.24:8).
Jesus is the light of all people. Simeon and Anna were able to recognise, pray, praise, and bless God for allowing them to see the Messiah. It was the experience that they were waiting for. On the part of Mary and Joseph, they begin to know little more about their Son Jesus. “Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Lk.2:34,35). We can learn from these two elderly people that we can welcome Jesus in our lives and looking forward to meeting Him. The Redeemer is presented by the parents not redeemed. Jesus presents Himself in the life-giving Sacraments daily. It is up to us to receive Him or reject Him. He will not force himself on ourselves. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot recognise and accept the Lord.
Every family needs to present their children to God first before presenting to the community. Our gratitude is the offertory bringing the best for God who rendered us the precious blessing in the person of a child. Do you recall the day of your presentation to the Lord? How often we give our children to the elderly at home to be blessed by them? Let us present ourselves to God, the Church, and the community. Have a lovely day. God bless you.